A Ukrainian family-of-nine are in a race against time to secure somewhere new to live after being turfed out of their UK home.
Following Russia 's invasion of their country, and after travelling through the war-torn nation for nine days and a further two weeks at a refugee shelter in Poland, Maksym and Olga Hyryk arrived in the UK with their five children and both their mothers on May 11, having secured a sanctuary via the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, reports the Daily Mirror.
But after just weeks, and without an explanation why, they received a letter from their host family informing them that they must move out of their new home in Fareham, Hampshire, by July 15.
Needing six months' rent in advance plus a deposit to secure a new home, the Hyryks raised more than £20,000 through a crowdfunding campaign but still do not have somewhere new to live lined up because private landlords are unwilling to rent their properties to such a large family.
Maksym and Olga's family is made up of their two sets of twins seven-year-olds Maxim and David and two-year-olds Amiran and Tamerlan, daughter Nikol, aged one, and both parents' mums Anna, 70 and Olena, 60. Amiran has autism and Anna lives with dementia.
Explaining the family's desperate situation, Maksym told MyLondon: "When I find any accommodation on Zoopla or Rightmove, the agents ask how many are in the family, if there are children, our ages, where we're from, and if we have a job. But they all say gently sorry and no, 'the landlord doesn’t want you because it's such a big family.'
"And I understand this, it's normal, it's their choice, their right to not want to have a family that big in their property if they don't want it. But it's very stressful, because before we didn't have any money and we thought our problems were solved through the fundraiser, but now it's just a different problem.
"As we get closer and closer to July 15 we're going to be worrying so much, because we don't have any offers and we don't know what to do. Even if we have an offer to move, the process of moving such a big family is no quick thing. When you're alone it takes maybe two days at most. But if you have a family of nine it's really not easy."
The former project manager added that they are grateful for everyone who helped them smash their £12,600 fundraising target but said they are now desperate for anyone to come forward if they have or knows of an empty property they could rent.
He said: "We're very grateful to everybody and anybody who has helped or can help us in future. Obviously we can't tell everyone individually but we're thankful for every single one of them. We really feel how many people want to help us.
"We have some donations for three pounds, with them saying 'it's the end of the month so this is all I can afford but I want to help you', we really feel this.
"And all the messages on Facebook as well, there was so many positive messages, one man from Southampton offered his seven seater car to help us move. It's so kind and we're just so grateful and full of love for everyone who has tried to help. But the problem is not solved so we just ask that anybody who may have a house free to rent, or who knows a neighbour with a free house please let us know."
The family has been offered temporary hotel accommodation by the council however after two months living in hotels in Poland, the father-of-five hopes to move his family into a more permanent home.
A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "We will not be commenting on the detailed circumstances of this particular case for confidentiality reasons, but we can confirm that we are working with Fareham Borough Council to ensure support is provided.
"The majority of host/guest arrangements under the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme in Hampshire appear to be working well, but in circumstances where either party wishes to cease the arrangements, local authorities are able to support, either through suggesting alternative independent accommodation arrangements or possible re-matching with new hosts."
If you can help, you can contact the Hyryk family through their fundraiser online here.
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